Volume 219 Issue 7, 9 October 2015
'HISTORY OF DENTISTRY IN 12 OBJECTS' SERIES: TOOTHPASTE POT
The cover series for volume 219 celebrates 80 years of the British Dental Association (BDA) Museum. Each front cover features an object which highlights a landmark in dental history. The catch is that the object is placed out of its historical context and in a modern environment, causing you to look twice at each picture. The landmark objects were chosen by BDA Museum volunteers.
The cover of this particular issue features a nineteenth century toothpaste pot. Prior to the First World War, toothpaste came in small ceramic pots bought at a chemist's shop or directly from the dentist. Pots, like the one on the front cover, proved an ideal advertising tool. The name of the manufacturer would be prominently displayed alongside the extravagant claims made for the product within. Many lids displayed members of the royal household; the inference being, if it is good enough for them it is good enough for us. Queen Victoria appeared on no less than ten lids from six manufacturers, an example of which is shown here next to the modern toothbrushes. Produced by John Gosnall and Co this lid was the first of this type to be made by this company and was in circulation between 1870 and 1890. Cherry was one of the most popular toothpastes available during Queen Victoria's reign. It was made from the areca nut but without the cherries. It got its 'cherry' name from the red colour produced by the addition of carmine to the paste and not from the taste!
Photography by Filip Gierlinski
Website: www.filskifoto.com; Email: filip@filskifoto.com
Editorial
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